Best media players October 2026
Compare the top-rated media players to upgrade your home entertainment setup. Explore differences in connectivity, operating systems, and audio-visual format support to find the best match for your TV or sound system. Our independent guide highlights key pros and cons for each device.
Last updated: 6 October 2026
Media Players: Top 5
1
Google TV Streamer 4K
from £89.997 stores
from £89.99
7 stores
2
Apple TV 4K 64GB 2022 (3rd Generation)
from £216.082 stores
from £216.08
2 stores
3
Apple TV 4K 128GB 2022 (3rd Generation)
from £243.776 stores
from £243.77
6 stores
4
WiiM Pro Plus
from £249.004 stores
from £249.00
4 stores
5
nVidia Shield TV Pro 16GB (2019)
from £345.773 stores
from £345.77
3 stores
The Google TV Streamer 4K serves as a centralized desktop-style streaming hub running the Android TV platform. It provides 32 GB of built-in storage alongside a reliable Gigabit Ethernet port for stable streaming. It also supports comprehensive HDR standards including Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
Pros
Built-in Gigabit Ethernet port
Generous 32 GB internal storage
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
Remote finder button on main unit
Cons
Limited to Wi-Fi 5 wireless
Ad banners in home interface
USB port uses older 2.0 speed
The 64 GB Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation delivers fast navigation and clean media playback powered by tvOS. It connects over Wi-Fi 6 and handles high-end audiovisual formats such as Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos. It also features a sleek rechargeable remote control.
Pros
Smooth A15 Bionic performance
Clean, ad-free tvOS interface
Fast Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
Full Dolby Vision and Atmos support
Cons
No wired Ethernet port
No USB ports for local files
Less storage than 128 GB model
The 128 GB Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation provides generous local storage alongside both Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6 networking. Its A15 Bionic chip delivers rapid app switching, while tvOS provides an uncluttered, ad-free interface. It integrates tightly with AirPlay and Apple smart home setups.
Pros
Built-in Gigabit Ethernet port
Large 128 GB internal storage
Fast A15 Bionic processor
Clean, ad-free tvOS menu
Modern Wi-Fi 6 wireless support
Cons
No USB port for external storage
Higher price tier than 64 GB unit
No analogue headphone jack
The WiiM Pro Plus is a dedicated high-resolution audio streamer engineered to upgrade existing amplifiers and sound systems. It features an audiophile-grade 32-bit DAC and broad compatibility with protocols like AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Tidal. Wired Ethernet and multiroom management make it versatile for whole-home music.
Pros
High-grade 32-bit/768 kHz DAC
Supports AirPlay 2 and Chromecast
Multiroom audio streaming support
Includes Gigabit Ethernet port
Cons
Audio only with no video or HDMI
No USB playback ports
Lacks full on-screen TV display
The Nvidia Shield TV Pro is a powerful Android media player built for local media playback and home theater setups. It offers advanced audio format passthrough for TrueHD and DTS:X alongside two full-size USB 3.0 ports for attaching external storage. AI-enhanced upscaling enhances lower-resolution video content up to 4K.
Pros
Two USB 3.0 ports for peripherals
Extensive audio format passthrough
Gigabit Ethernet network port
AI 4K video upscaling
Cons
Limited to 16 GB built-in storage
Relies on older Wi-Fi 5 standard
Lacks hardware AV1 video decoding
Compare specifications
| Series | — | Apple TV | Apple TV | — | Nvidia Shield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video formats supported | 480p, 480i, 576p, 576i, 720p, 1080p (Full HD), 1080i, 2160p (4K Ultra HD) | 480p, 480i, 576p, 576i, 720p, 1080p (Full HD), 1080i, 2160p (4K Ultra HD) | 480p, 480i, 576p, 576i, 720p, 1080p (Full HD), 1080i, 2160p (4K Ultra HD) | — | 480p, 480i, 576p, 576i, 720p, 1080p (Full HD), 1080i, 2160p (4K Ultra HD) |
| Built-in internet services | Netflix | Facebook, YouTube, Spotify, Netflix, Viaplay, HBO GO, SVT Play, TV4 Play, HBO Nordic, Amazon Prime Video, C More | Facebook, YouTube, Skype, Spotify, Netflix, Viaplay, HBO GO, SVT Play, TV4 Play, HBO Nordic, Amazon Prime Video, C More | Spotify | YouTube, Spotify, Netflix, Viaplay, SVT Play, TV4 Play, HBO Nordic, Amazon Prime Video |
| Ethernet connection | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless network (Wi-Fi) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HDR Format | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, HDR10+ | — | Dolby Vision, HDR10 |
| Streaming standards | — | Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Apple AirPlay 2, Amazon Music | Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Apple AirPlay 2, Amazon Music | Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Google Cast/Chromecast, Tidal, Apple AirPlay 2 | Google Cast/Chromecast, Amazon Music |
| Operating system | Android TV | Apple tvOS | Apple tvOS | Proprietary OS | Android |
How we create the list
The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular among our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert assessments. Specifically, we weigh how many users follow the product via price alerts or lists, how it is rated by experts and users, as well as how much traffic it generates to stores and how well it is represented in retail. The texts on this page are AI-generated and created to give you a quick and clear overview. No products are paid placements – the ranking is driven solely by data.
